In modern cosmetic dentistry, veneers and dental crowns are both great options. Most patients can trust either of these prosthetics to make their grins prettier than ever! With that said, what if you don’t know which treatment would suit your smile more? There’s no need to panic; your Rapid City dentist will gladly address this matter. So, just keep reading to learn whether you should choose veneers or dental crowns for your cosmetic dental work.
What are Veneers, Anyway?
Today’s veneers are thin, tooth-sized shells placed on the fronts of teeth. Once properly set, they can hide all smile flaws – chips, stains, misalignments, cracks, etc.
In terms of benefits, veneers are lifelike, durable, and long-lasting. The shells’ high-quality porcelain ensures they match adjacent teeth in color, size, and shape. Plus, patients can trust veneers to be fairly sturdy; they often work for 15 years or more with proper care.
Note that veneers are primarily a cosmetic treatment. Rather than address health issues, they quickly (and thoroughly) improve how a patient’s grin looks.
What About Dental Crowns?
Rather than shells, dental crowns are “caps” that cover the weak parts of damaged teeth. Each one restores its treated tooth to its normal shape, size, and function.
The biggest upside to dental crowns is how they protect teeth from harm. After all, every cap protects its underlying tooth from excess force, debris, etc. That means dental crowns can keep cavities from worsening and reduce the risk of other oral issues.
Of course, keep in mind that dental crowns are primarily restorations. While they can hide certain smile flaws, their intended use is to repair damaged teeth.
Which Option is Best for My Smile?
Neither veneers nor dental crowns are truly “better” than each other. Given that fact, the “right” option for you is the one that best meets your needs.
Take dental veneers, for instance. These shells are ideal for fast cosmetic results, as they’ll quickly hide your grin’s problem areas and help your smile look great. However, they often get pricey and aren’t covered by dental insurance; the shells also won’t address health issues.
In contrast, dental crowns present their own upsides and downsides. They do an amazing job with tooth repair and work on any of your teeth, front-facing or not. On the other hand, crowns are mainly restorative; they may not have the cosmetic effects you want.
You should ultimately consult your dental provider about your choice. With their guidance, you can confirm whether to pick veneers or dental crowns!
About the Practice
Anderson Dental is based in Rapid City, SD. Led by Drs. Karl Anderson and Austin McCullough, our practice makes your smile’s well-being its highest priority. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your needs and offer emergency dental care. Of course, we can also provide you with excellent veneers and crowns! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (605)-721-1219.